THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, FEbRuARy 24, 2023 Page 19 Sa nr Sa a Cld Y H y Senior by Jim Miller nior Th Could You Have a Thyroid Problem and Not Know It? Seni id P Dear Savvy Senior, What are the symptoms of thyroid disease? I’ve been dealing with a number of health issues over the past few years, and a friend of mine recently suggested I get my thyroid checked because it might be causing my problems. Almost 66 Dear Almost, If your thyroid is out of whack, it can cause a number of health issues that can be tricky to detect because the symptoms often resemble other age-related health problems. In fact, as many as 30 million Americans have some form of thyroid disorder, but more than half aren’t aware of it. What to Know The thyroid is a small butterfl y-shaped gland located at the base of your neck that has a huge job. It produces hormones (called T3 and T4) that help regulate the rate of many of your body’s activities, from how quickly you burn calories to how fast your heart beats. It also infl uences the function of the brain, liver, kidneys and skin. If the gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, it causes body systems to slow down. If it’s overactive, and churns out too much thyroid, it has the opposite eff ect, speeding up the body’s processes. The symptoms for an underactive thyroid (also known as hypothyroidism) – the most common thyroid disorder in older adults – will vary but may include fatigue and weakness, unexplained weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, joint pain, a puff y face, hoarseness, thinning hair, muscle stiff ness, dry skin and depression. Some patients may even develop an enlarged thyroid (goiter) at the base of the neck. However, in older adults, it can cause other symptoms like memory impairment, loss of appetite, weight loss, falls or even incontinence. And the symptoms of an overactive thyroid (or hyperthyroidism) may include a rapid heart rate, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, increased appetite, weight loss, tremors of the hand, frequent bowel movements, sweating, as well as an enior bl larged thyroid gland. Too much thyroid can also cause atrial fi brillation, aff ect blood pressure and decrease bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis. Those with the greatest risk of developing thyroid disorders are women who have a family history of the disease. Other factors that can trigger thyroid problems include: autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s or Graves disease; thyroid surgery; radiation treatments to the neck or upper chest; and certain medications including interferon alpha and interleukin-2 cancer medications, amiodarone heart medication and lithium for bipolar disorder. Get Tested If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, or if you’ve had previous thyroid problems or notice a lump in the base of your neck, ask your doctor to check your thyroid levels. The TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) blood test is used to diagnosis thyroid disorders but depending on what they fi nd, additional blood tests may be necessary. If you are diagnosed with a thyroid problem, it’s easily treated. Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levothroid, Synthroid and others), which is an oral medication that restores adequate hormone levels. And treatments for hyperthyroidism may include an anti-thyroid medication such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, which blocks the production of thyroid hormones. Another option is radioactive iodine, which is taken orally and destroys the overactive thyroid cells and causes the gland to shrink. But this can leave the thyroid unable to produce any hormone and it’s likely that you’ll eventually become hypothyroid and need to start taking thyroid medication. For more information on thyroid disorders, visit the American Thyroid Association at Thyroid.org. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF HEALTH PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE In accordance with the provisions of the City of Everett Board of Health Regulations, the Board of Health will conduct a Public Hearing: When: Monday, March 6, 2023 Time: 6:00PM Where: City Hall, Mayor’s Conference Room, # 35 484 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 Subject: Proposed Amendment to The City of Everett, MA, Everett Board of Health Rules and Regulations for Tobacco, Section Q(1)(a) The existing language is as follows: Section Q (Violations) 1. It shall be the responsibility of the establishment, permit holder and/or his or her business agent to ensure compliance with all sections of this regulation. The violator shall receive: a. In the case of a first violation, a fine of one thousand dollars ($1000.00) and the Tobacco Product Sales Permit shall be suspended for three (3) consecutive business days. The Proposed amendment is as follows: To [decrease] the number of suspension days from [three (3) Days] to [one (1) Day] All persons interested in or wishing to be heard on the proposal may attend and participate in person. This proposed amendment can be found on the posted Agenda at the following link: http://www.cityofeverett.com/AgendaCenter. Questions and comments can be directed in advance of the public hearing to Caitlin Norden of the Department of Health and Human Services at Caitlin.Norden@ci.everett.ma.us or 617-394-2255. February 24, March 3, 2023 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS....Nice Colonial offers spacious kitchen with maple cabinets, granite counters, office area, living room with wood flooring and full bath on first floor, two spacious bedrooms and full bath on second level, mudroom, great side deck, fantasic wrap-around, enclosed porch, storage shed with electricity, updated heating system, driveway and kitchen (10 years old), lovely yard, split rail fencing, 4 car driveway, close to Saugus Center. Offered at $499,900 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com
20 Publizr Home